Why I shot the bear

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I am the resident who shot the sow in Eby Creek Mesa. I'd just like to start by apologizing to the residents who enjoyed the bear.

Trust me, I didn't want to see her die, either. My intent is not to kill every bear in the country, but I have a family to protect. My son is only 2 months old, and my wife would never even know how to load a gun - God forbid that she ever woke up to a bear in the house.

The only reason I put the bear down that morning is because when I flipped the porch light on, instead of running away, the sow started towards me in an aggressive manner. She was within two yards of my doorway that I was standing in.

I didn't know her intent, but I was stricken with fear for my life and the lives of my family, so I shot her.

Trust me, I am a veteran of foreign wars with the U.S. Army, and I take no life for granted. But when it comes to the protection of me and my family, I will always do what I have to keep them safe from all harm.

So that said, I'd again like to apologize to my neighbors and residents for what had happened and hope they can understand.